Can You Mix Zoloft and Alcohol?
Zoloft is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medications. It’s no surprise that the question, “Can you mix Zoloft and alcohol?” comes up regularly.
Utilizing an SSRI medication to treat mental health concerns may be crucial to your overall well-being. But perhaps you also wish to drink alcohol on occasion–is this possible?
It’s essential to understand the risks of drinking while taking Zoloft. Your mental and physical well-being are valuable, particularly as you work toward addressing your depression with medication. We’ll unpack the dangers and drug interactions you ought to know.
What Is Zoloft?
Zoloft is a brand name for the generic drug sertraline, which belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Zoloft’s primary use is for depression treatment. Additional uses, considered “off-label,” include anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions.
When taken as prescribed, Zoloft may cause side effects that vary in severity and frequency among individuals. Side effects are most common at the beginning of using the medication and include the following:
- Digestive issues
- Dry mouth
- Increased sweating
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Tremors or shaking
- Agitation or restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased anxiety, especially at the beginning of treatment
Can You Mix Zoloft and Alcohol?
In reality, no amount of alcohol is considered “safe” under any circumstances–it’s generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft. Alcohol can exacerbate the existing side effects of Zoloft. The combination can also potentially worsen symptoms of depression or anxiety, which Zoloft is intended to treat.
In some cases, alcohol interferes with the effectiveness of the medication, reducing its ability to manage your symptoms.
If you’re considering drinking while on Zoloft, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to understand the risks specific to your situation. Drinking in moderation may be possible; however, you must create a plan beforehand.
Side Effects of Mixing Zoloft and Alcohol
- Impaired judgment
- Worsening of depression or anxiety
- Reduced effectiveness of Zoloft’s intended purpose
- Extreme fatigue
- Gastrointestinal distress
How Long After Taking Zoloft Can You Drink?
There isn’t a specific amount of time after taking Zoloft when it’s “safe” to drink alcohol. The interaction between the medication and alcohol can vary depending on several factors, including your dosage, how long you’ve been taking the medication and your overall health.
If you plan to drink, it’s ideal to wait until Zoloft has had time to be processed by your body. However, that isn’t possible if you intend to take the medication as prescribed (in most cases, Zoloft is taken once daily). Zoloft has a half-life of about 26 hours, meaning it takes approximately that long for half of the drug to be eliminated from your system. It will take multiple days for the drug to be cleared from your body entirely.
On the other hand, skipping your medication can lead to inconsistent levels of the drug in your system and is generally not advised. While Zoloft and alcohol should not be combined, the solution is not to skip your medication either. Instead, discuss your drinking plans with your healthcare provider to assess the risks of drinking while taking this medication to learn how alcohol may affect you.
If you have just started taking Zoloft, it’s imperative to avoid alcohol until your body has adjusted to the medication. If you choose to drink, it’s wise to do so in moderation and consult with your medical professional about the risks of mixing Zoloft and alcohol.
Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Zoloft
Drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft can pose several risks and dangers. At the very least, the side effects of Zoloft may intensify. Symptoms like drowsiness and dizziness become heightened, potentially impairing the person. The combination of alcohol and Zoloft can increase the risk of blackouts or memory lapses, where you might not remember what happened while you were drinking.
Additionally, alcohol is a depressant and can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety, counteracting the benefits of Zoloft. If depressive symptoms intensify, this could increase your risk of suicidal behavior.
Serotonin Syndrome
Zoloft works to increase circulating serotonin in the brain, ideally improving moods and outlook. Because alcohol also releases serotonin, combining Zoloft and alcohol increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Although rare, serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by too much serotonin in the brain.
Serotonin symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Muscle stiffness
- Tremors
- Gastrointestinal distress
Zoloft Withdrawal Symptoms
If Zoloft use is stopped suddenly, withdrawal symptoms may occur, such as irritability, dizziness, nausea, sensory disturbances (e.g., “electric shock” sensations), and anxiety. These symptoms may be particularly intense if you have been taking Zoloft for an extended period. Minimizing withdrawal effects involves tapering off the medication gradually under medical supervision.
Is There a Connection Between Depression and Alcohol?
The relationship between alcohol and depression is complex. Alcohol depresses the nervous system and lowers mood, which can intensify feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
While many people self-medicate with alcohol when they’re depressed to numb their symptoms, they may emerge from a drinking episode feeling worse than they did previously. Over time, drinking alcohol can cause worsening symptoms of depression once the effects wear off. It’s a never-ending cycle if intervention isn’t sought out.
Another possibility is developing alcohol-induced depression, which can occur due to alcohol use and typically resolves after a person has abstained from drinking over an extended period.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Wanting to drink while taking Zoloft doesn’t automatically indicate you have an alcohol addiction. However, if you find you’re struggling to avoid drinking for any length of time despite potential risks, it could indicate you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. It can be challenging to stop problematic drinking on your own, particularly while battling depression.
Addiction doesn’t often start by itself: things like trauma, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues can be at the root. Dual-diagnosis treatment programs are designed to address both addiction and mental health issues. Alcohol addiction treatment involves multiple levels of care that can be tailored to your needs.
Need Help?
Alcohol misuse and depressive symptoms can create a cycle that feels never-ending. Believing that you’re stuck “needing” alcohol and experiencing intensifying levels of depression can be truly exhausting and hard on your well-being.
If you or a loved one are struggling to stop drinking or have been battling depressive symptoms, a good move may be enrolling in an addiction treatment program. Contact Vogue Recovery Centers today–an admissions team member can help you decide if alcohol addiction treatment suits you and get you on a path focused on recovery.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6761694/
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sertraline/common-questions-about-sertraline/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482377/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/going-off-antidepressants
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6876499/
Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC
